Name: Kenwood TS-830S
Brand: Kenwood

160m – 10m

Bands

100 W

Output

1980

Introduced

Frequency	TX: 160–10 m (incl WARC), RX: HF amateur bands
Bands	160m, 80m, 40m, 30m, 20m, 17m, 15m, 12m, 10m
TX power	100 W (~100W actual output SSB/CW (rated 220W PEP input SSB, 180W DC input CW under old FCC rules). Pair of 6146B tube finals.)
Modes	USB, LSB, CW
Weight	13.5 kg (29.8 lb) - 13.5 kg (29.8 lbs). Dimensions: 333×133×333 mm (13.3×5.3×13.37 inches). Full-size with built-in PSU.
Connector	SO-239
Year	1980

Connectors

antenna	SO-239
mic	4-pin microphone (500 ohm or 50K ohm)
key	key jack
acc	accessory connector
ext spkr	external speaker
ac in	120 VAC mains (built-in PSU)
power req	120 VAC mains (built-in power supply, 295W).

the HYBRID classic, solid-state receiver + 6146B tube finals, 'warm natural audio, sounds GREAT' HYBRID design: solid-state receiver circuitry + 2× 6146B vacuum tube PA finals SSB and CW ONLY, no FM, no AM (SSB/CW purist radio) ham bands only, NO general coverage receive Variable Bandwidth Tuning (VBT), continuously narrow the IF passband width IF shift (move passband center to reject QRM) IF notch filter RF speech processor RF attenuator (20 dB) VOX RIT 25 kHz calibrator (frequency reference) noise blanker AGC + ALC semi break-in CW (NOT full break-in, semi only) dual VFOs for split-frequency operation digital frequency display (on an essentially analog radio) optional CW narrow filters: YK-88C 500 Hz, YK-88CN 270 Hz, YG-455C 500 Hz, YG-455CN 250 Hz built-in AC mains power supply (120 VAC, 295W), self-contained 6146B tubes: still available, affordable replacement Warm, natural tube transmit audio that many operators prefer to solid-state TS-820S successor VINTAGE. DISCONTINUED

Strengths

Warm tube transmit audio from 6146B finals (the last of Kenwood's hybrids). It has VBT plus IF shift and an IF notch (three interference-rejection tools), an RF speech processor, and a built-in AC PSU. 6146B tubes are still available, and the receiver has good dynamic range. It is an SSB/CW purist's radio that users say sounds great on the air.

Weaknesses

Vintage (1980). SSB/CW only (no FM or AM). No general coverage. No digital modes or DSP. Semi break-in only (not full QSK). 13.5 kg (heavy). 120 VAC only. The tubes need periodic replacement. No computer interface or keypad.

Verdict

A classic tube-hybrid HF rig. The TS-830S, the last of Kenwood's hybrids, convinced many that tube PAs produce warmer transmit audio than solid-state. The 6146B finals, VBT, IF shift, and IF notch create an operating experience modern rigs emulate with DSP. At $300-700 used with available replacement tubes, it is a fine way to experience classic SSB/CW operating.

The Kenwood TS-830S is a celebrated hybrid HF transceiver from the early 1980s, 'hybrid' because it pairs modern solid-state circuitry with a pair of 6146-family vacuum-tube final amplifiers. It covers 160 through 10 meters including the WARC bands in SSB and CW, and in the input-power convention of its day was rated 220 watts PEP on SSB and 180 watts DC on CW, corresponding to roughly 100 watts of RF output.

The tube finals give it a forgiving, easy-to-load output stage and the smooth, robust signal that many operators still prize, while its receiver (with IF shift, a built-in notch, and optional CW filters) earned a strong reputation for its day. Tuning the plate and load controls is part of the experience, a hands-on ritual that endears the radio to enthusiasts of classic equipment. Well-built and serviceable, the TS-830S remains one of the most sought-after hybrid rigs.

It is a discontinued classic. Compare it with the flagship TS-940S and the later solid-state TS-850S.